The former anti-Springbok tour campaigner thought a lack of action was creating a feeling of “disillusion” in the east, resulting in low voter turnout in elections.
Mr Minto said he was hoping to change this in October’s elections and cited the revitalisation of the east as one of his main priorities if elected as mayor.
“There is almost a resignation in the east that things are not going to get any better. I think that has a lot to do with people not responding to the needs of the community post-election,” he said.
Mr Minto did not think the council had done enough for the east under Lianne Dalziel’s leadership.
“The east of Christchurch has been left to ruin while money is poured into the central city. If you push the stadium to the back of the queue, we can get a lot done for eastern Christchurch.
“We need to accelerate the repairs to roads and footpaths, we had the same issues last election.”
He did not see any commitment from any of his rivals for the mayoralty to revitalise the east.
He labelled Darryll Park’s late withdrawal from the Wainoni Avonside Community Trust’s mayoral debate last week as “clumsy.”
“I am yet to see a decent explanation from him behind his absence.”
Mr Minto is holding a public meeting to discuss improving conditions in the east on September 22 at the Aranui Community Centre.
He said the revitalisation of the east would be one of his priorities alongside the rebuild of social housing units damaged in the earthquakes and reducing carbon emissions through free public transport.
His policies also include trialing freedom camping in the central city.
